The electric motor's generous 167Nm of torque provides responsive performance and provides the Ray EV with a range of 138km on a single charge. Normal recharging can be achieved in six hours and 25-minute fast-charge mode gives the car around 70 per cent of its normal range.

The Soul EV is expected to make use of similar technology.

Speaking recently at the launch of the new generation Kia Sorento in Barcelona, Oeyen confirmed that, "Kia's all new Soul will come to Europe as an electric car."

Oeyen also confirmed that the Soul will be a completely new car, not a facelift, when it is launched in 2013 with changes that will reflect its appeal to a wide cross section of buyers, as an active urban lifestyle vehicle.

Underlining those credentials, the Soul was recently named the Active Lifestyle Vehicle (ALV) of the Year in in the United States. The win follows other recent accolades, including "Top Back-To-School Car," awarded by Kelley Blue Book.

The Soul was among 28 finalist vehicles vying for recognition from the ALV awards jury, which consists of more than two dozen members of the media and 70 athletes who participate in cycling, triathlon, kayaking, softball and running.